Lock release operated switch



Aug 11, 1953 M. J. NOREGAARD 2,648,729

LOCK RELEASE OPERATED SWITCH Filed Aug. 9. 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 3o F1 5r 3 /V/ l A/ 1/ I l ,a n l 1., /0 /4 /4 /4 /7 ze 37 V F `30 1 6 a3 2J 45 38 f 35 32 K k INVENTOR.

Maurzc'e J. Noreg aard.

Aug. 11, 1953 M. J. NOREGAARD Loox RELEASE: OPERATED SWITCH Filed Aug. 9, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet l .Illlll BY e-gdard 17@ @5 Aug' 11, 1953 M. J. NOREGAARD 2,648,729

LOCK RELEASE OPERATED SWITCH Filed Aug. 9, 1950 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 2' 1511 7 f an .JNVENTOR. Maurice J. No'regaard Patented Aug. 11, 1953 UNITED srA'rEs PATENT OFFICE LOCK; RELEASE OPERATED SWITCH Maurice .L INoregaard, North Hollywood, Calif.

Application August 9, 1950, Serial No. 178,504

(C1. ZOO-.45)

Ihe present invention relates to a switch for making and breaking an electric circuit and, more particularly, pertains to a switchV of the class wherein the contact points are actuated by a slide, the movement of which is controlled by the proper displacementv of magnetic locking pms.

The present invention represents an improved modiiication of the electric switch disclosedl and claimed in my copending application, Serial No. 116,930, filed September 2l, 1949, wherein a switch is described in which one ofA the contact points is mounted on a resilient arm, which preferably is of conducting material, and which normally holds the contact point on the arm separated from the other contact point of the switch. The resilient arm carries a magnet and, when this is activated, the contact point onethe resilient arm is drawn against the other contact point of the switch thereby closing the circuit.

Then, when the magnet is deactivated, the resilient member returns the contact to its original position spaced apart from the other contactlof the pair, thus closing the circuit.

In the present invention, the resilient arm modate the usual 110 voit eircitwitnut burning the points and without the necessity of making delicate adjustments when installing and operating the switch.

In the present invention, the'cardkey performs the dual function of vfirst unlocking aislide and then moving the slide and the abuttingresilient arm toward the xed contact pointk to complete the circuit of the switch. The' first function is effected by bringing magnetic elements disposed in prearranged pattern. in the,

card key into proper registration with magnetic locking pins arranged in cooperative pattern in the slide, as described in detail hereinafter.A

When the switch ofthe present-invention is applied to the operation of an electromagnetic4 door latch, the system thus lendsitself admirably for attachment to club doors. The. key. comprises in thisA case the` club membership card in Whh are @Oleaflmz-thpfllel Q f-,mxelc lelfnrlts.A required for. operaties; of; the

24 A problem attending lthis use, however, is that arising from the fact that many clubs issue membership on a monthly, quarterly, or semiannual basis. In such a case, it obviously would be desirable to issue membership cards forterms determined by a simple adjustment made on the switch, itself. This adjustment may be madevat monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual intervals as desired, thereby rendering ineffective the cards which were issued for such terms only, while not inactivating those cards which were issued for a longer term.

In the switch construction of the present invention, adjustability is provided by means of a manually operated magnetic plug which may be moved into the eld of one of the locking pins. The plug and pin are disposed with like poles adjacent, whereby the locking pin is moved into lockingv position by the repulsive force of the plug. Those membership cards which are issued for a short term only are not provided with a magnetic element which will draw this locking pin out of locking position. On the other hand, cards which are issued for a longer terml are provided with such amagnetic element. Thus, at the end of the short term, the plug is manipulated to place the magnetic pin in lockingy position, whereby to render ineffective the membership cards issued for the short term.

The switch embodying the novel features of 'the present invention and its manner of operation and use Vwill now be described in detail with particular reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the switch in one of its embodiments with parts thereof broken away to show details of construction;

Figure 2 -is a side elevation of the switch shown in Figure4 l;

Figure I'l is a sectional-view taken along the line 3-3 in Figure 1 and showing the relative positions of` magnetic locking pins when unattracted; l

Figure 41 is a sectional view similar to Figure 3 and. showing the function of the adjusting plug;

Figure 5 is a sectional view similar to'Figure 3 andshowing the operation of a card key in actuating the switch;

Figure 6,is a fragmentary sectional View taken along the line 6 6 in Figure 3; A

Figures 7 and areplan viewsoftwo forms of cardikey's for use with the switch of the present invention; and,

Figure aZ fragmentarysectional view. showamargo 3 turning the locking pins to locking position upon removal of the card key.

Referring to the drawings, the switch comprises two main sections, namely the base section and the locking pin section. The base section includes the base plate Ill, the subbase I I, the iixed magnet housing I2 and the shield I3, arranged in superimposed relation in the order recited. The elements I9-I3, inclusive, are constructed of nonmagnetic materials. The housing I2 is perforated transversely to accommodate a number of magnets I4 xed therein in a predetermined pattern.

An additional transverse hole l5 is providedin the housing I2 and registers with the larger hole I6 provided in the subbase Ii. A magnetic plug I1 extends slidably through a khole in the face plate I0 through the hole I5 and into the hole I5. A nonmagnetic spring clip member i8' frictionally engages the plug in the area of hole E5. A pin I9 projects laterally from the plug for frictional engagement in the slot formed between the ends or the clip I8, whereby the plug may be secured releasably in retracted or projected posi tion, for purposes described in detail hereinafter.

The locking pin section includes the face plate 2 I, the locking plates 22 and 23 supported in spaced relation by the laterally spaced guide bars 24, the locking pin plate and the shield 23. The

plate 25 is mounted for longitudinal reciprocation in the slot formed between the lateral bars 24 and the locking plates 22, 23. If desired, an abutn ment 21 may be provided at-the forward end of the device to restrict the forward movement of the plate 25. The elements 2i-21', inclusive, are formed of nonmagnetic materials.

The base section and the locking pin section are arranged in superimposed relation with their respective shields I3 and 25 facing each other but separated by the laterally disposed spacer plates 28. The entire assembly is secured together detachably by means of the bolts 25. Bolts 33 project laterally from the locking pin section for purposes of securing the switch to a suitable support (not shown).

The spacer plates 23 are slightly thicker than the thickness of the card key 3i and the spacing shields I3, 26 are cut `obliquely to form an enlarged entrance for facilitating the insertion of the card key into the slot.

The face plates Ill and 2l extend rearwardly from the remaining elements of the assembly previously described, the area extending therebetween being enclosed by the back wall 32 and side walls 33 secured detachably to the magnet housing I2 by screws 34. Within the enclosed area is disposed a xed electrical Contact member 35 secured to plate I0 by screw 35. Electrical connection with the member 35 is provided by post 31 which extends through the plate I5. In similar manner, the resilient contact member 38 is secured to plate IU by screw 35, with electrical connection being provided by post 4l?. Y i

The resilient contact member 33 rests against an abutment bar 42 secured to the rearward end of the reciprocating locking pin plate 25 by screws 43. The abutment bar projects downwardly across the rearward end of the slot formed between the shields I3, 25 for engagement by the end of card key 3 I. In this manner, rearward movement of the card key causes the plate 25 and bar 42 to move rearwardly and bring together the Contact points 44, 45 of the respective electrical contact members 35 and 38.

Transverse holes are formed in the plate 25 in the pattern of and for cooperative registration with the magnets I4 and I1 provided in plate I2. Magnetic locking pins 46 are disposed for sliding movement in the holes in plate 25 and are of length substantially equal to the combined thickness of plate 25 and one of the locking pin plates 22 or 23. Each of the locking pins -45 and its cooperating magnet |4 or plug I1 are arranged with like poles facing each other across the shields I3,

`In this manner, the magnetic forces of repulsion maintain the pins 43 normally at their farthermost position from the magnets I4, I1 when a magnetic element is not disposed in the slot between the shields I 3, 26.

The locking pin plates 22, 23 are provided with transverse openings disposed in cooperating pairs vin the pattern of the movable locking pins 45. The openings comprising each pair are of dilTer-' ent diameters, the smaller opening of one pair being provided in plate 22 while the smaller opening of another pair is located in plate 23, as desired. rThus, in the pattern illustrated, the larger openings 41, 43, 49 and 50 and the smaller openings 5I, 52, 53 and 54 are provided in locking plate 22, while the cooperating smaller openings 51, 58, 59 and 53, and larger openings 5i, B2, 53 and 64, respectively, are provided' in looking plate 23. In all cases, however, the larger opening is arranged with its periphery closer t-o the rearward, or electrical contact end than is the periphery of the smaller opening of the same pair. In all cases, additionally, the smaller opening of each pair functions to receive a locking pin 45 for securing the plate 25 against rearward movement, while the larger opening receives the locking pin to release the plate 25 for said movement, as explained in detail hereinafter.

The key 3! employed to operate the switch described hereinbeiore may comprise a card made of fibrous layers in the interior of which are placed a plurality of magnetic elements 66. These elements may be pieces of shim steel or the like or, alternatively, they may comprise patches of iron filings or other suitable magnetic material applied by means of an adhesive or otherwise afiixed to the card. In any case, the pattern of magnetic elements corresponds with the pattern of the smaller openings in the locking plate 22 from which it is desired to remove the locking pins 46. Thus, referring to Figures 3, 5 and 7 of the drawings, the magnetic elements 63 are arranged in the pattern of the magnetic locking 'pins registering with the smaller openings 5I,

' 52 and 54 in plate 22. Since, in this instance, plug with the pattern of magnetic elements 6E as shown in Figure 8 is required for releasing the locking pins from the smaller openings 5I, 52, 53 and 54.

It is apparent that the locking pins 46 disposed for registration with the smaller openings 51, 58, 59 and B0 in plate 23 will be drawn into the latter whenever a magnetic element is disposed in the card keyvslot in proximity with said openings. When this occurs, however, the rearward movement of the sliding plate 25 is restricted and clos- 'ing of the contact points 44, |45 is prevented. Thus, the provision of thesei'pin's and" openings eil'ectively obviates the possibility of picking the lock by inserting a magnetic object, Vsuch as a knife blade, into the card key slot. This arrangement further obviates the possibility of actuating the lock with an obsolete or forged card key for, even if magnetic elements were by' chance are ranged properly to operate the unlocking pins, it is equally probable that other magneticvelem'ents will be present to draw one or more of 'the locking pins into one or more of the smaller locking openings 51, 58, 59 or 60.

In the operation of the switch of the present invention, a card key constructed as described hereinbefore with magnetic elements 66 properly patterned for cooperation with the arrangement of locking pins 46 is inserted in the slot between the shields E3, 26. The card thus comes in contact with the abutment bar 42 at the end of the slot. As the car-d is pushed further in the slot, the abutment bar and attached plate 25 'm'ove rearwardly, bringing the electrical contact point 45 into engagement with contact point 4e.' The electrical circuit (not shown) is thereby completed.

As indicated hereinbefore, the switch of the present invention may be incorporated in any suitable electrical circuit. It is particularly adaptable, however, for use with a solenoidactuated lock mechanism employed in locking and unlocking a door.' A circuit for such mechanism is illustrated and described in the copending application referred to hereinbefore, Specifically, the switch is employed to particular advantage with solenoid-actuated locks on the doors of club rooms. ln this case, the membership card is conveniently provided with magnetic elements 66 concealed therein and arranged in the pattern of the locking pins as previously described. As stated hereinbefore, the magnetic elements preferably comprise small pieces of thin, exible shim steel or similar magnetic material having an area approximately equal to or slightly greater than the area of the magnet ends. When pieces of this stock are interposed ybetween two or more plies of fibrous material whichthen are glued together to form a card, the resulting card is indistinguishable by ordinary inspection methods from a card not containing the magnetic pieces. Hence it may be flexed, pressed between the fingers, or otherwise inspected without being able to trace the pattern of the pieces.

Referring to Figures 7 and 8 of the drawings, the pattern illustrated in the former may conveniently be incorporated in a membership card intended, for example, to be valid for a period of six months, while a membership card containing the magnetic elements in the pattern shown in Figure 9 may be valid for one year. Thus, for the first six months, the magnetic plug Il will be retracted to the position shown in Figures 3 and 5 whereby to render its cooperating locking pin 46 ineiective as a locking pin by removing it from engagement with opening 53, as explained hereinbefore. Upon expiration of the first six months, the plug l'l is projected inwardly to shield i3, thereby forcing its cooperatinglocking pin 45 into the opening 53. Since the card key shown in Figure 7 is not provided with the magnetic element required to draw said locking pin out of opening 53, it is rendered ineffective for actuating the circuit of the solenoid lock. It is evident, on the other hand, Vthatthe cardkey shown in Figure 8 is effective for actuating the switch with plug I1. in either retracted'- or projected positions. Accordingly, the said card key is valid for the entire year."

Other variations of. the card` keys herein described are'described in detail. in the aforementioned copending application, the same being applicable by proper selection to the Switchk of this invention.

Referring now to Figure 9. of the drawings, there is shown a modified form of means for normally maintaining the locking pins 4B. within the openings provided in locking platev 2.2. In this construction, a coil spring 61 surrounds each pin 46 within the transverse hold in plate 25.. One end 68 of the spring is secured tot plate 25, while the opposite end is secured to the pin 46. Thus, when the pin isdrawn toward a magnetic element inserted in the lcard key. slot, the' coil spring "becomes elongated. and is placed..`under tension. Then, when the magnetic element is withdrawn from the slot, the coil spring returns to its shortened, relaxed position, moving the pin back to its normal position in the opening in plate 22. The coil springs may therebyiUnctiOn as a substitute for the magnets t4. Accordingly, the term repelling means as recited in the appended claims is intended to include the iixed magnets Hl, the coil springs 61 and other devices which function to repel. the movementv ofthe locking pins 46 into the openings inplate 23 ,when magnetic means is absent from the card key slot.

From the foregoingdescription, it isapparent that the present invention provides a versatileswitch which may be used to operate a variety of electrical circuits. The switch is of rugged con-- struction to accommodate circuitscarrying largecurrent loads by virtue of.. the. actuation of a single pair of contact. points by manual -pressure applied to the card key. On the other hand, the switch is capable of delicate and precise opera.- tion because of the absence of contact-carrying springs operated by the movement of the vlocking pins. This feature also renders the switch substantially pick proof 'since the locking pins are more easily actuated, The switch is of simplified construction, thereby affording economical production and reducing the possibilityof faulty operation and wear of partstoa minimum. The switch also accommodates the cancellationV of card keys at any desired time simply by the manipulation of a magnetic plug which forms a part of Ythe switch.

Various details of construction describedhereinbefore may be changed or modified withoutdeparting from the scope and, spirit ofthe present invention. For example, althoughY it is preferred to arrange the elements ofthe switch with the contact points Manci 45 normally separated from each other, and to place the magnets in the switch and theY magnetic shims in the card key, the arrangement of these elements may be reversed, the contact points normally being main,- tained closed, and the magnets being placed in the cardA key. Furthermore, a plurality of ad.- justment plugs Il. may be providedto increase the number of` combinations for operating the switch. The number of locking pins and cooperating openings and repelling meansmay also be varied, as desired.` Accordingly, the. foregoing description ls to be consideredas illustra.- tive only, the scope ofthe invention being defined by the appended claims.

Having now vdescribed my invention andthe manner inwhioh thesame may. beused, WhatfI claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, locking plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of different sizes, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking plates for opening and closing the said contacts, and a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, the locking pin magnets being adapted upon activation by a magnetic force to be drawn out of the locking plate openings in Which they are normally inserted.

2. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, spaced locking plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of different sizes, the periphery of each larger opening extending closer to the said contacts than the periphery of its cooperating smaller opening, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally between the locking plates for opening and closing the said contacts, and a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, the locking pin magnets being adapted -upon activation by a magnetic force to be drawn out of the locking plate openings in which they are normallyinserted.

3. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, locking plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of different sizes, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking plates for opening and closing the said contacts, a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, and repelling means normally urging the locking pin magnets into the openings of one of the locking plates, the locking pin magnets being adapted upon activation by a magnetic force to overcome the force of the repelling -means and be drawn out of the locking plate openings in which they are normally inserted.

4. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking ,pin section, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, locking plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of diiferent sizes, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking plates for opening and closing the said contacts, a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, and a plurality of magnets mounted in the base section and arranged in the pattern of the Ylocking pin magnets for repelling the latter, the locking pin magnets being adapted upon activation by a magnetic force to overcome the force, of the. repelling magnets and be drawn out of the locking plate openings in which they are normally inserted.

5. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, locking plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of different sizes, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking plates for opening and closing the said contacts, a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, and a plurality of magnets mounted in the base section and arranged in the pattern of the locking pin magnets for repelling the latter, at least one of the repelling magnets being mounted for space adjustment relative to its cooperating locking pin magnet whereby selectively to establish and remove the repelling force therebetween, the locking pin magnets being adapted upon activation by a magnetic force to overcome the force of the repelling magnets and be drawn out of the locking plate openings in which they are normally inserted.

6. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section and having a longitudinal slot therebetween, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, spaced locking plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of different sizes, the periphery of each larger opening extending closer to the said contacts than the periphery oi its cooperating smaller opening, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally between the locking plates for opening and closing the said contacts, a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, and key means proportioned for insertion in the said longitudinal slot and carrying magnetic elements arranged in the pattern of the locking pins normally held within the smaller openings of the locking plates.

'7. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section and having a longitudinal slot therebetween, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, locking pla-tes in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs oi openings of different sizes, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking plates for opening aand closing the said contacts, a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the `locking plates, repelling means normally urging the locking pin magnets into the openings of one of the locking plates, and key means proportioned for insertion in the said longitudinal slot and carrying magnetic elements arranged in the pattern of the locking pins normally held within the smaller openings of the locking plates.

8. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section and having a longitudinal slot therebetween, a pair o contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, locking plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of diierent sizes, a locking pin plate reciprocative lonv'a'eeavee gitudinally with :respect to the locking plates 'for opening and closing the 'said contacts, .a plurality of locking pin magnets kdisposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, key 'means proportioned Afor insertion -in the said longitudinal slot and carrying magnetic 'elements arranged in the pattern of some of the locking pins, and Vmeans interengaging the locking pin plate and the key means, whereby manually to move the former with the latter.

9. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section and having a longitudinal slot therebetween, a .pair of `contacts 'adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, locking plates in the locking pin section having 'arranged therein ycooperating pairs of openings ci different sizes, 'a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking plates for opening and closing the said contacts, a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranger. in the pattern of 'the openings in the locking plates, key means proportioned for insertion in the said longitudinal slot and carrying magnetic 'elements arranged in the pattern of some of the locking pins, means interengaging the locking pin plate land the key means, whereby manually to move the former with the latter, and resilient means engaging the locking pin plate for returning the latter to normal position.

10. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section and having a longitudinal `slot therebetween, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, locking plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs Yof openings of different sizes, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking plates for opening and closing the said contacts, a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, repelling means normally urging the locking pin magnets into the openings of one of the locking plates, key means proportioned for insertion in the said longitudinal slot and carrying magnetic elements arranged in the pattern of some of the locking pins, and means interengaging the locking pin plate `and the key means, whereby manually to move the former with the latter.

11. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section and having a longitudinal slot therebetween, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, locking plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of different sizes, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking plates for opening .and closing the said contacts, a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, a plurality of magnets mounted in the base section and arranged in the pattern of the locking pin magnets for repelling the latter, key means proportioned for insertion in the said longitudinal slot and carrying magnetic elements arranged in the pattern of some of the locking pins, and means interengaging the locking pin plate and the key means, whereby manually to move the former with the latter.

10 12. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a vlocking pin section and having 'a longitudinal slot therebetween, a pairof contacts adapted for series connection to an 'electrical circuit, locking -plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings Aof )different sizes, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking plates for opening and closing the said contacts, a plujrality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin pla-te and-arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, a plurality of magnets mounted in the base section and arranged in the pattern of the locking pin magnets for repelling the latter, at least one of the repelling magnets being mounted for space adjustment relative to its cooperative locking pin magnet whereby selectively to establish and 'remove the repelling force therebetween, key means proportioned rfor insertion in the said longitudinal slot and carrying magnetic elements arranged in the pattern of some of the locking pins, and means interengaging the locking pin plate and the key means, whereby manually to move the former with the latter.

13. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base Section and la lock'- ing pin section and having a longitudinal slot therebetween, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, locking plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of diierent sizes, the periphery of each larger opening extending closer to the said contacts than the periphery of its cooperating smaller opening, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking plates, a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, a plurality of magnets mounted in the base section and arranged in the pattern of the locking pin magnets for repelling the latter, Lat least one of the repelling magnets being mounted for space adjustment relative to its cooperating locking pin magnet whereby selectively to establish and remove the repelling force therebetween, key means proportioned for insertion in the said longitudinal 'slot and carrying magnetic elements arranged in the pattern of the locking pinsA normally held within the smaller openingsof the locking plates, means `interengaging the locking pin plate and the key means, whereby manually to move the former with the latter, and resilient means engaging the locking pin plate for returning the latter to normal position.

14. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section and having a longitudinal slot therebetween, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, a resilient conductor supporting one of said contacts, locking plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of different sizes, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking plates, a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, key means proportioned for insertion in the said longitudinal slot and carrying magnetic elements arranged in the pattern of some of the locking pins, and

means interengaging the locking pin plate and the key means, whereby manually to move the former with the latter, the locking pin plate being adapted to engage the resilient conductor for opening and closing the contacts, the resilient conductor functioning to return the locking pin plate to normal position. 15. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section and having a longitudinal slot therebetween, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, a resilient conductor supporting one of said contacts, spaced locking plates in the locking pin sect1on having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of diierent sizes, the periphery of each larger opening extending closer to the said contacts than the periphery of its cooperating smaller opening, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally between the locking plates, a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings 1n the locking plates, repelling means normally urging the locking pin magnets into the openings of one of the locking plates, key means proportioned for insertion in the said longitudinal slot and carrying magnetic elements arranged in the pattern of the locking pins normally held within the smaller openings of the locking plates, and means interengaging the locking pin plate and the key means, whereby manually to move the former with the latter, the locking pin plate being adapted to engage the resilient conductor for opening and closing the contacts, the resilient conductor functioning to return the locking pin plate to normal position. s 16. An electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section and having a `longitudinal slot therebetween, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, a resilient conductor supporting one of said contacts, locking plates in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of different sizes, the periphery of each larger opening extending closer to the said contacts than the periphery of its cooperating smaller opening, a locking pin plate reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking plates, a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin plate and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking plates, a plurality of magnets mounted in the base section and arranged in the pattern of the locking pin magnets for repelling the latter, at least one of the repelling magnets being mounted for space adjustment relative to its cooperating locking pin magnet whereby selectively to establish and remove the repelling force therebetween, key means proportioned for insertion in the said longitudinal slot and carrying magnetic elements arranged in the pattern of some of the locking pins, and means interengaging the locking pin plate and the key means, whereby manually to move the former with the latter, the locking pin plate being adapted to engage the resilient conductor for opening and closing the contacts, the resilient conductor functioning to return the locking pin plate to normal position.

17. A switch comprising, in combination, a body including a locking pin section, locking members in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of different sizes, a locking pin member reciprocative longitudinally with respectto the locking members, and a plurality of magnetic locking pin means disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin member and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking members, the magnetic locking pin means being adapted upon activation by a magnetic force to be drawn out of the locking member openings in which they are normally inserted.

18. An .electric switch comprising, in combination, a body including a base section and a locking pin section, a pair of contacts adapted for series connection to an electrical circuit, locking members in the locking pin section having arranged therein cooperating pairs of openings of different sizes, a locking pin me-mber reciprocative longitudinally with respect to the locking members for opening and closing the said contacts, and a plurality of locking pin magnets disposed for transverse movement in the locking pin member and arranged in the pattern of the openings in the locking member, the locking pin magnets being adapted upon activation by a magnetic force to be drawn out of the locking member openings in which they are normally inserted.

MAURICE J. NOREGAARD.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,981,987 Bryce Nov. 27, 1934 2,116,246 MacDonald May 3, 1938 2,121,301 Ractliie June 21, 1938 2,256,675 Higbee Sept. 23, 1941 2,384,208 Stroud Sept. 4, 1945 2,393,428 Stroud Jan. 22, 1946 

